What’s in season, April: Imperial Mandarin season has finally arrived, and apple and pear seasons are in full swing; while quality of lemons and strawberries is excellent right now. Here’s our picks for the best in-season produce to enjoy this April; and what fruits to make the most of before the season’s over!

Imperial Mandarins

Imperial Mandarins have finally arrived, with the first pick coinciding with the first week of April. Growing conditions have been ideal, and have produced some sweet, beautiful-tasting fruit. Volumes are expected to increase over coming weeks as the season progresses. Keep an eye out for the Red Rich Fruits label in supermarkets now!

Look for: Imperial Mandarins should have a vibrant orange colour, and a scent that’s fragrant and appealing. When gently pressed, the fruit should feel firm but not hard; while the skin should feel slightly loose around the fruit.

Granny Smith, Royal Gala, Red Delicious and Fuji Apples

New season Granny Smith apples are in stores now, and are looking fabulous! Harvest of Granny Smiths wound up on our orchards in the Yarra Valley in late March, following the successful completion of our Royal Gala, Fuji, and Red Delicious harvests earlier in the month. Quality of all varieties is looking exceptional, with Royal Gala and Granny Smiths in particular developing some excellent colour. Keep an eye out for some great specials on apples at the supermarket.

Look for: Apples should be firm to touch; with an appealing apple aroma and no sign of bruising. Steer clear of fruit with wrinkled or soft flesh as the fruit is likely past its prime. Apples will last longer if stored in the crisper drawer of the fridge.

Beurre Bosc & Packham Pears

Harvest of Beurre Bosc Pears is now complete at Coldstream, on the heels of a successful Packham Pear harvest. Both varieties have developed some excellent colour, flavour and texture, and are eating very well. Watch last month’s update from our Coldstream Pear Harvest, here.

Look for: The flesh of ripe pears will give slightly when gently pressed close to the stem. If still hard, leave it for a day at room temperature then test again. 

Strawberries

Good quantities of good quality strawberries are coming out of Victoria now that the weather has cooled off. Keep an eye out for the Red Rich Fruits strawberry label in stores.

Look for: fruit that is bright to deep red in colour all over, with plump flesh, no bruising, and a fragrant, sweet scent. 

Lemons

There are plenty of beautiful quality lemons around at the moment, with prices steadily dropping as volumes increase. Quality is only expected to improve as we head into the Easter period.

Look for:  fruit that is firm, but has slight give when pressed gently as this indicates less pith. The colour should be a bright yellow.

Pink Lady Apples

Our Pink Lady Apple harvest is expected to begin in the second week of April, with the fruit already colouring up beautifully. Check out our video below for a sneak peek at how the fruit is developing.

Plums

Stone fruit season has largely drawn to a close, with the exception of plums which are expected to continue for another month or so. Make the most of these fruits now while they’re still around!

Look for: Plums should have a deep colour; with smooth, unblemished skin and an appealing fruity fragrance. Flesh should be plump, with slight give when gently pressed.